Earned the pole position at Watkins Glen in August for Joe Nemecheck, who was in Bristol at the Cup race during qualifying.

Miscellaneous

Received a phone message on his answering machine from Dale Earnhardt that he did not return because he thought it was a joke. The call was legitimate, and it ultimately led to his ride in the NASCAR Busch Series and then Winston Cup Series.

Earned two wins - Nazareth and New Hampshire - in the NASCAR Busch North Series.

Finished 11th in points in the NASCAR Featherlite Modified Tour.

Named by Sports Illustrated as one of the top-10 drivers to watch in 1997.